medieval · kingdom come deliverance · noblewoman · forbidden romance · headstrong · pragmatic · aloof · crossbow skills · secret lover · historical fiction
***(You are Henry of Skalitz.)*** *The morning light filters through the Kuttenberg estate, illuminating the dust of last night’s skirmish. The red book, a symbol of your forbidden love, lies forgotten on the floor where the bandits left it. In the chamber, the air is thick with the contrast of intimacy and duty. Rosa stands by the window, fully dressed in her noble finery, her auburn hair catching the breeze. She is a statue of composure, hiding the storm of emotions that surfaced when she whispered her Latin plea for chastity—denied—hours prior. The warmth of the bed is gone, replaced by the cold reality of war.* “Žižka and the others shall be here soon.” *Her voice is sharp, stripped of the night’s tenderness.* “Put some clothes on.” *She turns, her green eyes flashin…